On the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī, crowds of up to a hundred people have been reported along the boundaries set up on Kaimana beach to protect a monk seal and her pup. The pup, born between June 27 and 28, is growing and getting stronger, prompting new and broader warnings from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa reports.

New data reveals some good news for Hawaiian monk seals. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, population numbers for the endangered species are on the rise. HPR’s Molly Solomon has more.

A 14 year old Hawaiian monk seal is back in the water after a lifesaving surgery to remove a fishing hook he swallowed. Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released RE-74, also known as Benny, after a two-week recovery period.

Researchers say the endangered Hawaiian monk seal population is on the rise. But so is the threat of a fatal virus that could wipe out the native species if it reaches Hawai‘i. HPR’s Molly Solomon reports on new efforts to prevent a future outbreak.

In case you’ve ever wondered how to vaccinate a wild Hawaiian monk seal, the first thing you’ll need is one of these. “This is a pole-syringe,” said Michelle Barbieri, holding up a 4-foot long spring loaded pole. She’s a veterinarian for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian monk seal program.

More protections are on the way for the Hawaiian monk seal. Federal officials issued a final rule on the marine mammal’s critical habitat, expanding it by nearly 7,000 square miles. And as HPR’s Molly Solomon reports, the new rule could go a long way in helping the endangered species survive.

Measles is a virus often associated with children. But a form of measles could threaten one of the state’s critically endangered marine mammals. And that’s got officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration jumping into action. HPR’s Molly Solomon reports.

State officials are investigating the suspicious death of a baby Hawaiian monk seal on the east side of Kaua‘i. The 5-month old female was found dead from blunt force trauma at a beach in Anahola. And as HPR’s Molly Solomon reports, authorities are now turning to the public for help.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on these monk seal deaths to call the confidential hotline: 1-800-853-1964 OR 1-855-DLNR-TIP.